We’ve all heard that saying…”new year, new me!”. But does that really happen, do you really change every year? Think back to last year’s new year’s eve. What resolutions did you make? Did you accomplish them or fail? Or do you not even remember the resolutions that you made?

I am personally in the category of not even remembering the resolutions I made last year; which really got me thinking, what even is a resolution? According to the dictionary, a resolution is “a firm decision to do or not to do something”. So let’s think of some common new year’s resolutions such as “I am going to go to the gym” or “I am not going to gossip as much”. Where is the plan behind these resolutions? The definition doesn’t distinguish that these decisions should be followed through with a plan of action.

Now let’s switch to the word goal, according to the dictionary a goal is “the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result”. Some common goals may be “I am going to graduate college in four years, earn a degree, and get a job” or “I am going to go to the gym 4 days a week for 1 hour each”.  A goal should follow the SMART rule; specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. These goals have much more description and planning than a resolution, in my opinion.

So with that, I say “why do we need a new year to motivate us to do things we should already be doing?”. Sure, a new year gives us a “clean slate” in a way, but at the same time it really doesn’t .

Instead of making new year’s resolutions that you’re going to forget 3 months from now, make a goal. And not some silly little sentence that you’ll also forget, but a REAL plan of action. Something you’re passionate about, something that is realistic. Pull out your notebook or planner and write your goal at the top of the page. Write it big so you won’t forget it. Make a timeline for your goal and take action!! The only person in the way of achieving your goals is you.  

About one year ago, I got a postcard in the mail. The front of the postcard read, “Sometimes the best thing you can do is not think, not obsess…just breathe”. This really got me thinking about the high level of stress in my life. I would get so upset over one sub par grade or over someone’s unkind words; it would ruin my entire day, week, or even month. I started to take control of my anxious tendencies and find the positive out of any situation! I am not perfect at this by any means, but I have improved immensely when it comes to calming down and not letting one thing ruin my life.

I challenge you to set your own goal. Write it on your mirror, your phone, your notebook, your planner, etc.! Let’s stop with the “new year, new me” crap and push each other to become the best versions of ourselves. God put us all on this planet for a specific reason, find that reason and let it shine! xoxo